Public urged: Take extra caution in handling goats, cattles

AMID the threat of the “Q” fever, an infectious disease expert yesterday urged the public, particularly those handling goats and cattles, to take extra precaution in doing so.

In a televised public briefing, Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) president Dr. Rontgene Solante said those handling goats and cattles should employ protective equipment in doing their work.

“For those handling these kinds of animals, they should protect themselves, such as by using gloves, especially those in goat farms,” said Solante, adding that even butchers handling goat and cattle meat must make sure that they have the necessary protection.

“They have to wear something that will protect them from splashes of fluids from these animals,” said the PCP chief.

Solante also said those cleaning animal manure must be given adequate protection because “those cleaning animal wastes can also be contaminated by touching it and by not wearing anything, like face masks, since they can also be aerosolized.”

Asked if eating goat and cattle meat may lead to transmission of the bacteria to humans, Solante answered in the negative.

“Once it is well cooked, fully cooked, there is no problem. It is no longer contaminated,” said Solante.

Last Friday, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) announced the detection of the first case of Q fever in dozens of goats imported from the United States.

The DA-BAI reported that out of the 94 goats which arrived in the country, 19 samples tested positive for Q fever.

The Department of Health said Q fever is a mild zoonotic disease found in animals but can be transmitted to humans, especially among farmers and animal handlers, who are in frequent contact with infected animals.